Lombardy’s great lakes

An expansive, majestic sanctuary, Lake Maggiore preserves all the Belle Époque elegance of the 19th century, dotted with luxury grand hotels and Baroque masterpieces set directly on the water. It is a haven for art aficionados, history buffs, botanical garden enthusiasts, and slow-travel lovers. Key attractions include the world-famous Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, as well as the elegant resort town of Stresa and the cliffside Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. You can reach Stresa from Milan Centrale in about an hour via Regional or EuroCity train, or drive in 75 minutes along the A8 highway.

Start your first day with a train ride to Stresa, stepping straight onto a boat for Isola Bella to explore the grand Palazzo Borromeo and its stunning tiered Baroque gardens. Hop over to Isola dei Pescatori for a fresh lake-fish lunch in the historic fishing village, then continue to Isola Madre to spot roaming white peacocks amidst exotic botanical flora. Return to Stresa for a dinner along the lakefront promenade and an overnight stay. The second morning takes you on a scenic boat ride to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 12th-century monastery clinging dramatically to a rocky cliff. In the afternoon, set sail for the Fortress of Angera, an imposing medieval castle housing the famous Doll and Toy Museum, before returning to Stresa to catch your return train to Milan Centrale.

Italy’s largest lake greets visitors with a sun-drenched, Mediterranean-style microclimate rich in ancient olive groves, historic lemon houses, and Roman heritage. It is a favorite destination for families, history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and wellness seekers. Highlights along the Lombardy shore include the fairytale peninsula of Sirmione with its Scaligero Castle and Grotte di Catullo, Gardone Riviera’s sprawling Vittoriale estate, and picturesque Limone sul Garda. From Milan Centrale, high-speed Frecciarossa trains reach Desenzano del Garda in just 50 minutes (or 80 minutes by Regional train). By car, it takes about 90 minutes via the A4 highway (Desenzano or Sirmione exit).

Your day one morning begins with a high-speed train to Desenzano, followed by a quick bus or ferry transfer to Sirmione to explore the imposing Scaligero Castle and wander out to the Grotte di Catullo, the grand ruins of a Roman villa set high above the azure water. Dedicate the afternoon to pure relaxation at the Aquaria Thermal SPA or soak up the sun on the white pebbles of Jamaica Beach, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Sirmione's pedestrian old town. On day two, take a morning ferry to Gardone Riviera to visit Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the grand hillside estate-museum of poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. In the afternoon, cruise north to Limone sul Garda to tour a historic limonaia (lemon house) and walk along the famous bike path suspended directly over the water. Wrap up your trip with a return boat ride to Desenzano and a high-speed train back to Milan.

To make the most of your journey, purchase a hop-on hop-off daily pass from Navigazione Laghi, allowing you to glide between lakeside villages without purchasing individual tickets. During the peak season from April to October, booking your high-speed train tickets to Lake Garda, entry passes to Il Vittoriale, and Borromean Island ferry excursions well in advance is highly recommended. Finally, spring blooms and early autumn offer the absolute best times to visit, delivering pleasant weather, mild temperatures, and a more intimate atmosphere.